How to Prepare for a Used Vehicle Purchase

<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/AdobeStock_265748652.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: ;width: "/> Originally written by Dave Long of Dave’s Auto Repair If your car is aging or has a lot of repair issues, you may be thinking about buying a new one—or, if you’re working with a limited budget, a used one. However, when it comes to purchasing a used vehicle, many consumers neglect to consider the true costs involved.  In most cases, even if a used vehicle has been kept in relatively good condition, it’ll still require some repair work to bring it up to maximum operating level. The problem is that most people neglect to account for this in their budgets. If you have a budget of $6,000, for example, you may be able to find a quality used vehicle, but you might not have enough money left over to address necessary repairs. So, if you’re shopping for a used vehicle that’s five or more years old, it’s a good idea to set aside an additional $1,000 to $3,000 to cover any repair and maintenance costs upfront.  While establishing a realistic budget is crucial when purchasing a used car, an even more important step is to get the advice of an expert before making a decision. Having a trusted mechanic who can perform a vehicle inspection (as well as offer general advice on choosing a vehicle) is invaluable for ensuring you make a smart long-term investment.   <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-auto-repair/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Auto Repair Shops</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/sonoma-auto-repair/" target="_self">Sonoma County Auto Repair Shops</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-auto-repair/" target="_self">San Francisco Auto Repair Shops</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/alameda-auto-repair/" target="_self">Alameda County Auto Repair Shops</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-mateo-auto-repair/" target="_self">San Mateo County Auto Repair Shops</a> Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/New-Used-Car-Buying/" target="_self">The Essential Guide to New & Used Car Buying</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>